In the article I will talk about the differences in the character and habits of herding dogs. I will describe appearance, temperament and habits. I will consider the pros and cons of keeping such a four-footed friend in a city apartment and his interaction with family members and the outside world.
The original name of all herding breeds is briard.
Here is a short overview of herding dog breeds.
The best herding dog breeds
The cost is 15-30,000 rubles.
- a small, very active dog, height at the withers 43-58 cm, weight 18-22 kg.
An excellent companion for an active sports enthusiast or a farmer, less athletic family members may not withstand the temperament characteristic of a dog. Day and night are tireless, during the day - in nature, at night - as a watchman.
The cost is 20-80,000 rubles.
A sturdy and powerful dog, at the same time elegant and showy. The height at the withers of this snow-white miracle with brown eyes is 55–65 cm, weight is 25–40 kg.
An excellent companion, benevolent and intelligent, attached to all family members, but unmistakably reacts to aggression and protects if necessary.
Loves to talk, using a wide range of voice signals, be prepared for noise. Long walks and daily brushing are required.
The cost is 30-70,000 rubles.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is also called the Bernese Shepherd Dog - it is a very strong hardy dog \u200b\u200bwith a calm character, loyal and loyal. Height at withers is 58-70 cm, weight 35-55 kg.
With the right upbringing and socialization, it gets along well with other animals, loves and protects children. Optimally kept in a country house for a large family.
The cost is 25-50,000 rubles.
An incredibly intelligent, quick-witted medium-sized dog. Height at withers 46-56 cm, weight 13.5-22.5 kg.
They love to eat deliciously and will never give up a cookie or a piece from your table, which often leads to obesity. They are distinguished by a cheerful character, smart and hardy.
If not trained, it can be a threat to local cyclists.
The cost is 20-50,000 rubles.
Is an elegant, friendly and affectionate dog of medium height with an elongated muzzle. Height at withers: 51–61 cm, weight 18–34 kg.
Companion dog, gets along well with children, kind and flexible, but at the same time an excellent watchman and guard. The Scottish Shepherd needs frequent long walks, cannot stand loneliness and loves to “talk”, which can be a problem for neighbors.
Luxurious shaggy wool requires care and attention from the owner, be prepared to comb the dog 2-3 times a week, and several times a day during molting.
The cost is 25-50,000 rubles.
A small, energetic and courageous dog with an independent character. Height at the withers: 38-47 cm, weight 8-13 kg.
She is very playful and mobile, obedient and not aggressive, an excellent guard and companion. Ideal for rural areas, living in an apartment requires long walks and physical activity.
It is advisable not to leave alone in a confined space, an excess of energy will not allow the dog to sleep quietly in the apartment during your absence.
The cost is 80-160,000 rubles.
Charming medium-sized shaggy dog. Height at the withers: 42-55 cm, weight 17-27 kg.
A brave, resolute watchman, wary of strangers, ideal for protecting a country house.
It categorically does not fit the content in the apartment. They love the company, play with children with pleasure and participate in active games. Unpretentious in maintenance, it is enough to brush the coat once a week, since there is no undercoat.
Romanian
The cost is 15-30,000 rubles.
A large, powerful dog, bred to work in the mountains in severe weather conditions. Has a proportional addition: the height at the withers is 59-73 cm, weight 50-65 kg.
Balanced, confident, independent, friends only with their household members. Keeping in an apartment is absolutely contraindicated; with restrictions on freedom and insufficient physical activity, they can be aggressive towards family members.
Caucasian
The cost is 30-150,000 rubles.
A massive dog of impressive size, famous for the absence of fear and anger. Height at the withers: 66-75 cm, weight 45-75 kg.
A resolute and intelligent breed that requires training and attention. only suitable for experienced dog breeders.
A sufficient number of daily walks and a spacious booth in a personal aviary are required. In this case, it will be a reliable guard and loyal friend for all family members.
German
The cost is 10-100,000 rubles.
Powerful lean dog of medium height. Height at withers: 55-65 cm, weight 25-40 kg. A unique versatile pet with a hardworking and noble character. A great friend and companion, and security guard, nanny and shepherd.
Ideal for a country house, but can be kept in an apartment if you have enough attention and long active walks.
Central Asian
The cost is 7-70,000 rubles.
A formidable, large dog with a heavy scanning look. Height at the withers: 65-78 cm, weight 40-80 kg. Uncompromising security guard, trusts only his family members. In the absence of proper socialization and attention from the owner, it can become depressed or become overly aggressive.
The dog needs a spacious booth with a flat roof, which it will use as an observation post and an aviary, allowing it to restrict the pet's movement around the site when guests arrive.
Croatian
The cost of a puppy is 80,000 rubles.
A well-built, agile medium-sized dog with a dark, very dense coat with curls. Height at withers 40-50 cm, weight 13-20 kg.
A smart and highly adapted dog for herding work or sport. Croatian Shepherd Dog perfectly guards a house or apartment, rather unpretentious in everyday life. But the best place to keep is a farm, where the dog can lie on the doorstep and guard his charges.
Croatian Shepherd Dog South Russian Shepherd Dog Any dog \u200b\u200bwill happily live in your family, become a faithful friend and a source of positive emotions. However, when choosing a pet, be sure to think about what kind of behavior you expect from her and whether you are ready to provide the necessary care, a sufficient amount of your attention and love.
For many millennia, herding dogs have been helping humans to graze and protect herds of livestock, providing their owners with meat, skins and leather. They are able to guard the home of a person and himself, move loads with a large mass, etc.
As you can see, herding dogs are extremely important to humans. Today, for the most part, they perform the functions of guarding and protecting a person and his home, and are also considered excellent companions and faithfully serve their master.
History
According to historians, herding dog breeds first appeared several millennia ago among the nomadic tribes of Asia. In those days, they were more powerful and were able to drive away not only wolves, but even bears from the herd.
Further improvement of this group of dogs was taken up in Europe. There they reasonably came to the conclusion that a herding dog should be not only powerful and courageous, but also beautiful, standing out against the background of a herd of livestock.
The ancient Romans made a special contribution to the development of shepherd breeds, who taught dogs not only to guard, but also, if necessary, to fight with predators. To enhance these breeds, they crossed Asians with strong European dogs.
In the XX century, new breeds of shepherd dogs appear and improve. So, in Germany, the German shepherd was bred, and then in the USSR, the East European Shepherd, more adapted to the cold climate.
Benefits of Herding Dog Breeds
The advantages of shepherd breeds are traditionally considered:
- medium body size and a beautiful proportional physique;
- well-developed muscles that can withstand significant physical exertion;
- beautiful and thick coat with undercoat for high-mountainous and northern climates;
- undeveloped hunting instinct that allows you to perform basic duties;
- lack of trust in strangers, the ability to pursue a stranger;
- absolute devotion to one's master, etc.
Shepherd dog breeds
Australian kelpie
This dog breed was bred in Australia, today Kelly is a real superstar there. The dog is interesting in that it has a very wide viewing angle, which allows it to control a significant area at once, helping the shepherds in their work.
In addition, the Australian Kelly currently participates in various sports competitions, dance competitions, exhibitions, etc. It is Australia's most popular dog and a visiting card of the entire country.
For the first time, information about this breed appeared in the literature at the end of the 19th century. Experts do not have a consensus about the progenitors of these dogs: English collies, wild Australian dingoes, etc. Today there is a continuous selection of kelly.
White swiss shepherd
This breed is a real working shepherd dog, which can also be a great companion for its owner and his family, loves to play with young children. The Swiss Shepherd Dog is an excellent watchdog and is easy to train.
There are two types of this breed: long-haired and short-haired shepherd dogs, and in Europe they prefer the first option. These shepherd dogs are very good-natured and cheerful, but they perform their work duties perfectly.
This is a relatively young breed that was formed in the middle of the 20th century. She came from the USA to Switzerland and was registered there in the 90s. Today purebred white Swiss Shepherds live throughout Europe.
Bernese mountain dog
This breed of herding dog is very popular in Germany and Switzerland. It received its standards at the beginning of the 20th century and has continued to develop since then. In the middle of the 20th century, the Mountain Dog was crossed with the Newfoundland to promote health.
This is a working breed, a very healthy, strong and agile dog. She has powerful paws, a harmonious physique and a sanguine temperament. The Bernese Mountain Dog is brave, good-natured and endlessly loyal to its owner.
He treats strangers with caution, immediately protects the owner and his property in case of encroachment, but does not show aggression unnecessarily. The Sennenhund is capable of living in the most difficult conditions, he is not at all a refined sissy.
Border Collie
This breed of herding dogs originated in the UK. According to experts, this is the most intelligent shepherd dog in the world. Breed standards were defined at the end of the 19th century, and the Border Collie was registered at the beginning of the last century.
But in fact, this breed was first mentioned in the 16th century, then such dogs were then called English collies. This is a very graceful and proportionally built dog with a wide skull. Any color is allowed.
The dog has leadership qualities, quickly makes independent decisions and tries to fulfill them. The Border Collie is smart and constantly requires communication for mental stress. Requires daily exercise and walking.
Welsh corgi
It is a short-legged short-legged breed of herding dog, originating from Wales. The first mention of them was found in the annals of the 10th century. Translated in Welsh, "corgi" is "dwarf dog".
Despite their diminutive size, the Welsh Corgi are real shepherds, a working breed that has all the necessary skills to help shepherds. And the breeders noticed them only at the end of the 19th century. Then the breed began to develop rapidly.
Welsh Corgi have vitality and liveliness of character, they endlessly love their owner and his family. They do not show aggression towards other people and animals. They quickly find a common language even with cats. They love walks and games.
Collie
This is a very large group of herding dogs, bred in England and Scotland. It includes both generally recognized and registered breeds, and local, little-known breeds and offspring.
Collies are beautiful, well-built dogs of medium height and light build. As a rule, all breeds of this group have a characteristic color. They are very active and easy-going and have a developed herding instinct.
Collies are still used today for grazing livestock, but many take such a dog into the family as a companion or friend. She looks impressive, has a great character and is well trained.
Moody
This small herding dog is so energetic that it is able to control an entire herd. Also, you can safely take it to hunt large game (wild boar), mudi will show its usefulness there too.
Due to its compact size, mudis can be kept at home. She is a great companion, so she is able to cheer anyone up. It has excellent health, because it is an ancient and very hardy breed.
Moody does not show aggression towards dogs and people, getting along with everyone, including cats. She is easy to train. Needs dog sports - agility, long walks and good physical activity.
Portuguese shepherd
This herding dog originated in Portugal. She is an excellent watchman, very undemanding to living conditions, for which this shepherd has always been appreciated by local shepherds of sheep, goats, horses and cows.
Portuguese Shepherds have a wavy and thick coat of beautiful black color with spots of different colors. When deciding to take such a dog into your family, remember that it is very energetic, loves to participate in various competitions.
This shepherd dog obeys the owner well and is perfectly trained. In a family, she practically does not show aggression if she is brought up properly. Caring for her thick coat is simple enough.
Romanian shepherd
This herding dog is famous for its strong bones and dense muscles. She has a rather aggressive and strict character, so she can play the role of not only a shepherd, but also a guardian of the master's property.
This breed was bred in the Carpathians, the strongest and most efficient dogs were selected by shepherds. They still retain these qualities. The breed standard was developed in the 30s of the last century.
The Romanian Shepherd Dog is a loyal and reliable friend, it has a calm, phlegmatic character, does not show aggression without an obvious reason. The dog is able to protect the herd from bear and wolf, can become a reliable guard for its owner and his family.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
This shepherd is one of the oldest shepherd dogs, because the breed has existed for at least 2 thousand years. It is a large and strong breed with a beautiful thick coat. The most popular type of this breed has a long coat.
The task of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is not just to protect the master's herds, but, if necessary, to engage in battle with wolves and bears. Her character is suitable for this: the dog is characterized by courage, fearlessness, determination and aggressiveness towards strangers.
In the 18th century, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs were widely used in the Ottoman army as a guard. Later they served and today they are on guard duty in the armies of the Russian Empire, the USSR and modern Russia.
German Shepherd
This shepherd dog has been used for more than a hundred years for official purposes for tracing criminals, serving in the army and the police. In addition, she effectively performs her direct duties - the protection of large and small livestock.
The breeding of this breed was staged in Germany on a national scale. The result is a very beautiful, powerful, intelligent and capable dog, which is a loyal friend and protector for its owner.
Today the breed continues to evolve. German Shepherds are breaking records in the service dog championships. Their amateur clubs exist on all continents. This is a truly versatile breed that is easy to train.
Central Asia Shepherd Dog (Alabai)
This is one of the oldest dog breeds from Central Asia. Its second name is alabay. Breeding work was not carried out in relation to it, it appeared exclusively as a result of natural selection. It is a direct relative of the Tibetan Mastiff.
Alabai is still used today by shepherds to protect sheep and cattle. Also, the breed is perfect for guard duty, protection of people and material values.
South Russian Shepherd
This breed of herding dogs has existed in Russia for several hundred years. It suffered greatly in the 20th century during the two world wars, but later recovered and continues to develop. Today it is distributed throughout Europe.
The South Russian Shepherd Dog is famous for its endless devotion to its owner and excellent guarding abilities. The breed standard has changed, but at its core it is a large, powerful herding dog with long wavy hair.
This shepherd dog is very mobile, active and self-confident. She frankly does not like strangers; she shows not just aggression, but open anger. And the owner for her is at least a god. Even as a puppy, the shepherd herself, without reminders, will begin to guard the owner, family and home.
List of herding dogs
| Australian shepherd | Caucasian Shepherd Dog |
| Australian cattle dog | Kangal (Karabash, Anatolian dog) |
| Australian kelpie | Catalan Shepherd Dog (Gos D'atura Catala) |
| Azores Shepherd Dog | Kelpie |
| Akita Inu | Lapland Reindeer Dog (Lapinkorokoira, Lappish Reindeer |
| Alabai | Catahula Leopard Dog |
| Alopekis | Maremmano Abruzzele (Maremmano-Abruzzo Sheepdog) |
| American White Shepherd (White Swiss Shepherd, White German | German Shepherd |
| Bouvier Ardennes (Bouvier des Ardennes) | Norwegian Buhund (Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Laika, Norwegian Shepherd) |
| Basque shepherd dog (euskal artzain txakurra) | Picardy Shepherd Dog (Picardy) |
| White swiss shepherd | Pyrenean mountain dog (large pyrenean dog) |
| Belgian groenendael | Pyrenean shepherd |
| Belgian Malinois (Belgian Shepherd Dog) | Pitbull |
| Bergamasco (Bergam Sheepdog) | Puli (Hungarian Water Dog, Mop Dog) |
| Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog) | Saarloos Wolfhond (Saarlooswolfhund, Saarloss Wolfdog, Wolfhound |
| Boxer (German Boxer) | Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Alabai, Turkmen Wolfhound) |
| Border Collie (Border Collie) | Tuvinian shepherd |
| Border Terrier | Sharplaninak (Yugoslav Shepherd Dog) |
| Brazilian Terrier |
As soon as people managed to domesticate various animals requiring constant grazing, dogs became their indispensable companions. They not only helped to graze the herd, but also protected them from the attacks of predators. At first, most herding dogs were classified into a group of working breeds, and it was only many centuries later that herding dog breeds were defined. This group was formed in 1983.
Although now most herding breeds have never even seen a sheep and are now mere pets, they continue to retain all the qualities of character and behavior of their distant relatives of the shepherd's dogs. Herding dog breeds are excellent companions and get along well with children, they are always happy to show their natural instincts.
Border Collie
Herding dog breeds are represented by a large group, but the best and most popular are also distinguished in it. Very often the breed is named among them. border Collie, United Kingdom. He is a true workaholic in the canine world who is prized for his extraordinary intelligence, natural instincts, dedication and strong working ability. It should be emphasized that a dog of this breed can be extremely energetic and athletic, which requires constant active walking and games.
Australian cattle dog
A popular breed is australian Shepherd Dog,which was bred in Australia for the purpose of grazing livestock over rough terrain over long distances. Like other herding dog breeds, this one has a high level of energy, dedication and intelligence. She will defend her owner and property very fiercely. Today the Australian Cattle Dog is used in sporting activities and is often described as being brave, loyal and hardworking.
Collie
Be sure to note the wonderful dogs of the breed collie, Scotland. An active, flexible, strong dog that combines strength, speed and grace. Her gait remains very light and elegant even when running. Collie can also instantly change speed and direction, as is required in herding dogs. Collies are friendly, highly intelligent, proud and beautiful dogs. They are strong in understanding the mood of a person, love children very much, which makes them ideal pets for a large family. It should also not be forgotten that collies require daily exercise and human attention.
Portuguese shepherd
Portuguese shepherdanother great breed among herding dogs. It is a very vigilant and hardy dog \u200b\u200bthat can look after even obstinate horses. This is one of the most loyal and intelligent sheepdog breeds. It requires very consistent and well-balanced training, but it is quick and easy. The Portuguese Shepherd has a lively, above average intelligence. The owner of such a breed must be a strong and dominant example for his pet and then he will receive the most reliable dog in the world.
Briard
An excellent representative from France among herding dog breeds - briard.He is always noted for his romantic and elegant appearance, as he has a beautiful wavy coat, luxurious beard and eyebrows. Briard can be gray, tan and black. He is a wonderful shepherd and watchman with exceptional hearing and strong protective instinct. Briar training must be consistent with patience and a steady hand. It is better to introduce him to children and other animals at an early age.
All herding dog breeds are very intelligent, hardy, alert, loyal and able to quickly adapt to different conditions. They require constant long and intense walks, games, and exercise. Their owner should always be an example and authority, constantly maintain strict discipline and order. But in return he will get a very loyal, fearless guard and companion.
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Since ancient times, livestock has provided people with meat, clothing and helped with the transportation of goods. But keeping and protecting livestock from the attack of predators is just as difficult as taking care of them. To make things easier for themselves, farmers began to train and graze sheep and other farm animals. And our Top-5 Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog opens, bred just for these purposes.
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Purpose of herding breeds
It is believed that several thousand years ago, the tribes of Asia first appeared with dogs trained to protect the master's herds from attacks by humans, wolves and even bears. From that time on, the image began to take shape. Initially, all shepherd breeds were called Sheepdogs, and only over time, the breeds received different external qualities and different names. It became clear that in addition to good flair, courage and courage, the dog also needs special external qualities: it must have a special color that would not allow it to be confused with any predator, thick skin and warm hair that would protect from any weather conditions ...
The Europeans decided to breed a breed that would meet all these qualities and began crossing fluffy shepherds with local dogs until they achieved the desired result. It is also believed that the warlike Romans contributed to the development of shepherd breeds: they especially paid attention to the fact that the shepherd dog could repel the attack of the largest and most evil beast.
In addition to the ability to graze cattle, as well as to protect it, the dog was a constant companion and friend of its owner, she gladly went hunting for small game in order to satisfy the owner's hunger.
Cattle dog rating
Each country with developed cattle breeding sought to breed for itself an ideal shepherd dog, which would feel great in certain conditions and protect the owner's livestock from a certain animal. Dogs with especially thick coats appeared, such as the Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog, the Fast Mallorcan Shepherd Dog, the Small Picardian Shepherd Dog, the sociable Baskakskaya Shepherd Dog and the extraordinary Catahula Leopard Dog. We will tell you more about each of these breeds below.
Bergam shepherd
One of the most unusual looking sheepdogs is the Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog. It got its name due to the fact that its homeland is the province of Bergamo, in Italy. Italian farmers use the dog mainly for grazing sheep in the valleys of the Alps, near the Po Piemonte River, where they descend with their flock for the winter.
There, in a rather cool climate, the Bergamo Sheepdog is protected from the cold by its coat, which looks matted and forms flat hanging cakes. This gives the dog such an exotic look.
A smart, patient and balanced Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog, in addition to protecting and grazing sheep, is also an excellent companion to its owner. The animal treats the predator with all the ferocity, but she honors her master and unquestioningly carries out all his orders, understanding him perfectly.
It is believed that the Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog has such a delicate scent that it can distinguish the sheep of its flock literally by smell. The animal is unpretentious to food and on long grazing manages with what it is, without being picky. Genetically, the animal is designed to live in open spaces, so the Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog will not get along in an apartment.
Mallorca shepherd
The Mallorcan Shepherd Dog, as well as the Spanish Ca de Bestiar, is a black dog of medium height and strong build. The dog's coat can be long or short, but the short-haired look is more common. This breed first appeared off the coast of Spain, in the Balearic Islands in the 16th-17th centuries. It is believed that the Mallorca Shepherd Dog was bred by crossing local peasant dogs with animals imported from Castile.
Initially, the Mallorca Shepherd Dog was used to graze sheep, goats and even cattle. Its appearance is due to its invisibility at night. After a time, when they gained popularity, the breed began to be used as a fighting, and soon a guard breed.
The Mallorca Shepherd breed is very loyal to its owner, however, it is suspicious of other people and can be unfriendly. In 1975, the Mallorca Shepherd received an approved standard.
Picardian shepherd
The Picardy Shepherd Dog is originally from France. It is believed that her ancestors were also the dogs of the Celts, the image of the breed is also found on engravings of the 9th century, it is this century that is considered the century of the origin of the breed. For many centuries, the Picardian Shepherd Dog was used as a shepherd and guard dog, and at the end of the 19th century it was decided to present it at an exhibition, but its simple and slightly sloppy appearance did not ensure its success.
Today, the Picardy Shepherd Dog is found only in the north of France, in the Pas-de-Calais region, but in other places almost nothing is known about it.
Independent and intelligent, the Picardian Shepherd Dog is easy to train, but from time to time it can become stubborn, so it always needs the control of a strong owner. The industrious Picardian Shepherd Dog hardly gets along in apartments, because she needs to keep herself busy all the time, her character deteriorates from idleness and she can start to spoil the furniture.
Baskak Shepherd
This breed was bred in Spain, in the northern Basque Country, where the use of the Basque breed in herding is already considered a tradition. According to some assumptions, this breed takes its roots from the Central European Shepherd Dogs. The dog is widespread mainly in its homeland, but it is not considered rare.
The Basque Sheepdog has a coarse golden coat, general view strong, compact. The dog is very loyal to the owner and his family, he can be wary of strangers. In addition to grazing livestock, the dog is used as a guide and in search operations.
Catahula Leopard Dog
For the first time, the Catahula Leopard Dog appeared in the USA, Louisiana, where it was bred by the colonists. It got its name for two reasons: because of the similarity in color with the leopard, and also in honor of the Catahula district, where it is very popular.
In 1979, the Catahula Leopard Dog became the official symbol of the state of Louisiana.
The most remarkable thing about the dog's appearance is its amazing color. These are various spots on the short coat that create an interesting pattern. Blue eye color is highly regarded among breeders.
Video on how the Catahula dog is trained.
The Catahula leopard dog is a loyal friend, a patient shepherd, a good hunter and guard. He maintains a warm relationship with the owner, but can show unfriendliness in the territory entrusted to him. The Leopard dog is used for grazing and guarding large and small livestock.
Like any other cattle-driving breed, the Catahula Leopard dog does not get along in apartment conditions and even in small areas. The ideal place for such an animal is a small farm where it can always find something to do.
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Video "Cattle dogs"
This video talks about herding dogs and caring for them.
When a man began to engage in cattle breeding, a dog became his constant helper. A faithful four-legged friend not only helped herd the herd, but also protected it from the attacks of predatory animals. Shepherd's dog breeds were not bred immediately, initially all shepherd dogs were called shepherd dogs.
Today there are many breeds, representatives of which are excellent shepherds. We'll talk about some of them.
- The Swiss Shepherd Dog or as it is also called the Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a strong and self-confident dog. The Sennenhund is used not only as a shepherd, but also as a "cab" - representatives of this breed like to do hard work, take part in strength tests with pleasure and even go in for mountaineering with the owner.
- Languedoc Cattle Dog originally from France. However, it is considered to be the largest and most resilient than any other French herding dog. The dog is not suitable for the role of a pet, since it is only suitable for service.
- The homeland of the collie breed is Scotland, for this reason it is also called the Scottish Shepherd Dog. The dog has a thick long coat that protects it from bad weather. Representatives of this breed have high mental abilities, do an excellent job with their shepherd duties.
- The Bobtail is a hairy breed of herding dog. Their specialization is cattle. Large dog originally from Great Britain. Today they are more often brought up as a pet.
- The English Shepherd Dog dates back to the days of Ancient Rome. Sheepdog was used for guarding and grazing livestock, and also as a home guard.
- The Turkish Kangal breed is a pure water shepherd. Brave, hardy and very intelligent, the dog is distrustful of strangers, but at the same time will never snap or growl at a stranger. This aboriginal breed has lived in Asia for centuries. All data on this shepherd dog indicate that the dog comes from Turkey, however, this country disowns this breed. But be that as it may, it is Turkish herders who celebrate the excellent shepherd qualities inherent in the kangal.
Features of shepherd dogs
Shepherd breeds of dogs have their own behavioral features that can be noticed even in puppyhood. In order to check if your dog has the instinct of shepherd work (which we will talk about below), it is enough just to observe the pet. It is not necessary to immediately get out with the animal to the place where the sheep graze. The latter can scare an untrained dog. Check out a four-legged friend, such as a flock of ducks. If the dog is interested in the bird, it may be a call for blood.
A feature of shepherd dogs is also close attention, because the flock must be monitored. Also, the animal must have a highly developed obedience. The dog will not work alone, it must follow the commands given by the shepherd. The hunting instinct also does not hurt, because the dog has to protect the herd. For this reason, experienced shepherds recommend developing the hunter's instinct first, and only then moving on to training.
How to teach a dog to graze
Signs of herding instinct
So, the signs of the inherent shepherd's instinct are already showing eight-month-old puppies. Pay attention to the following features of the baby's behavior:
- the puppy often runs in an arc, as if trying to patrol what is happening around;
- the dog is watching children, looking for those who need protection and control;
- the baby pushes the ball with his nose or forelimbs, forcing him to move in a given direction;
- the dog examines the territory, chasing the "strangers" out of the yard;
- the animal chases birds and passing cars;
- imitate the behavior of a brooding hen in relation to people and animals.
When to start learning
The owner must be patient, because even the simplest team cannot be consolidated in one day. It is not worth starting training too early, because the pet will forget all the acquired skills. We have already said that a herding dog must be very obedient. Therefore, training begins with simple commands.
At 1 month, you can already train to respond to a nickname. From 2 months to six months, communicate closely with the puppy so that he learns to respond to you. Already from 8 months you can begin to introduce a course on obedience, and from 10 months you can do specific training. However, it is important to understand that the puppy not only learns, but also imitates. If the baby is from the very early age watch other shepherd dogs, he will learn a lot on his own.
Process and commands
There are the following special skills for training a herding dog:
- accustoming to the herd;
- matching lagging animals;
- gathering the herd;
- patrolling and leveling.
It is necessary to accustom to the herd from puppyhood. It is enough if the baby will simply accompany the mother during the grazing. The main thing is not to allow the young "student" to bark and chase grazing cattle for no reason. It will be more difficult to accustom an adult pet to a flock.
To urge those who have strayed from the herd, the dog must at the command "Drive!". The training begins with a visual demonstration. They take the dog on a long leash, let some sheep fall behind, and then give the dog the command "Drive!" It is also important to work out the moment of stopping the rut, so that the animal will develop the habit of running away from the pursuing dog into the herd, and the dog will stop rutting when the "runaway" approaches the herd. At first, the shepherd can help the dog by shouting, while the cattle learn to obey the dog. As a result, the pet must see the lagging animal without a command and drive it into the herd.
The collection of the herd is carried out by the command "Around!" The training begins at the fenced area. Initially, the trainer leads the dog on a leash in a circle, gradually weakening it, while the dog should not leave the fence. Then the trainer lets the four-legged assistant forward a little, gives him the command “Around!”, And he quickly goes towards the pet. Having met, he encourages the dog with a treat.
Patrol and align the herd with the command "Go!" and "Equalize!" Initially, the skill is practiced without the herd, sending the dog, for example, to cross the bridge. They start patrolling when the four-footed assistant has learned to quickly execute the command "Forward!" The dog should not allow sheep or livestock to approach dangerous places, such as ravines.
In addition to the above skills, a herding dog must be able to find lost sheep, turn the herd left or right, and also guard and protect the flock from predators.
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